Weatherization is one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient. Drive down your energy costs by properly weatherizing your property, using natural gas appliances and keeping water heaters in good shape.
If you’re looking for ways to get started weatherizing your home, the list of items below is a good place to start:
Outlet Gaskets
- Place caulk or foam between the electrical box and drywall on switches and outlets located on exterior walls. Then place these foam gaskets behind the plates for a good, airtight seal.
Child Safety Caps
- Promote energy conservation and child safety by keeping drafts and your child’s favorite toys away from unused electrical outlets.
Weather-Stripping
- If you have an attic access located within your home, make sure the access door is insulated and seals tight, much like a refrigerator. Use weather-stripping and screen door latches for a snug seal.
Rope Caulk
- Caulk is best for gaps and cracks less than ¼” wide. Use a high-quality caulk to ensure durability and longevity. And, if the caulked joint will be visible, consider using paintable caulk for a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Window Insulator Kit
- Seal windows airtight to eliminate condensation, cold drafts and heat loss. These kits usually come with enough plastic shrink film and two-way tape to cover four average size windows. Use tape to hold the plastic film in place and then use a hair dryer to shrink the film, forming a smooth, thorough and tight finish.
Low-Flow Shower Head and Sink Aerator
- A family of four each showering five minutes a day can use about 700 gallons of water per week. Water conserving showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half, saving about 14,000 gallons of water a year.
Pipe Insulation
- Insulated pipes keep the hot water that exists in pipes warm. When properly insulated, you don't have to wait as long for hot water and use less of it, too - reducing waste and saving money.
Water Heater Jacket Cover
- A water heater jacket can reduce up water heating costs by up to 15% off and prevent energy loss.
Silicone Caulk
- Silicone caulk helps fill cracks and gaps where air can enter or escape your home.
Toilet Tank Displacement Device
- Control the amount of water used to flush your toilet and save hundreds of gallons of water each year.
Foundation Vent Cover
- Help keep cold air out of your basement or crawl space by covering vents during the winter. Foundation vents help keep your floors warm and ultimately keeps your heating bills down.
Shower Head On/Off Switch
- Turn off or lower the flow of your shower when you need less. Perfect for reducing water waste when shaving.
Fiberglass Insulation
- An R-value is a material's resistance to heat flow and tells you how well a type of insulation can prevent heat from flowing into or out of your home. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation performance, adding more savings to your heating and cooling bills. The R-value you need depends on where in the house the insulation is being placed. For example, you might be insulating interior or exterior walls, attics and crawlspaces, a garage or ceilings.